World Cup Semifinals: Preview and Predictions

August 14, 2023
By Rohtas Wadera

Watching the World Cup approaching its end is a bittersweet feeling. The good news is a first-time champion will be crowned, but the bad news is the tournament ends, and we have to wait another four years. In spite of all the upsets and shocking results, four teams remain with a chance to win it all. Here’s a preview of the World Cup Semifinals.

Spain vs. Sweden: August 15 at 4:00 AM ET/1:00 AM PT, FOX

Spain against Sweden is a classic matchup of defense versus offense. The Swedes have outlasted two of the favorites to win the competition, the USWNT and Japan. Their strategy won’t change against Spain. They’re going to play defense first, maintain the clean sheet and look to score if chances arise from the counterattack or set pieces.

Spain was able to defeat the Netherlands in extra time in a match that seemed destined for penalties. Here’s the shocking stat, Sweden has NEVER lost to Spain in 11 matches. Spain will dominate possession, but the main question is can they break down Sweden’s defense? They barely were able to do so against the Netherlands, and the style of the matchup favors Sweden with their defensive style. Considering Spain has never beaten Sweden is a telling sign of what’s to come. Sweden will defend the whole game and continue to do what they’ve been doing, making it very tough for their opponents to score. This game will likely be decided in a shootout, and I’m taking Sweden to pull off one more upset.

Prediction: Sweden Wins 1-1 (6-5) in PK Shootout

England vs. Australia: August 16 at 6:00 AM ET/3:00 AM PT, FOX

England against Australia, another epic sporting rivalry that comes to a head in the World Cup Semifinal with the Matildas as hosts. When looking at the all-time record, England has a slight advantage with three wins, two losses, and a draw combined. Both teams have had to earn it the hard way, with most of their games being decided by a goal or in extra time/penalties. Each side is like a carbon copy of the other.

Both sides have depth and have overcome injuries to big stars, they normally rely on offense but their defense in the tournament has been outstanding. Lauren James will be serving the last game of her suspension, Alessia Russo stepped up and provided the winner. Russo could play a big role again and showed at the Euro that she’s more than capable of scoring for the Lionesses. On the flip side, Hayley Raso and Cailtin Foord have been incredible while Sam Kerr gets back to full health. Could this be the game that Kerr is ready to play the full 90 minutes or at least start the game? Time will tell, but there’s not much to decide between these two sides. It’s going to a shootout, and I think England just edges it out.

Prediction: England Wins 0-0 (5-3) in PK Shootout